I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief.
Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband.
But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality.
Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.
My Thoughts
This is a cozy historical mystery that held me enthralled with the magical setting of a fictitious town in Norway in the winter. Cornelia Gran is my kind of heroine, absorbed in mysteries and looking for local mysteries to solve. When she discovers a missing resident, she throws herself wholeheartedly into solving the puzzling disappearance and in her quest for the truth, she encounters unexpected danger. The villains are ruthless characters who will stop at nothing to achieve their aims, and therein lies the fast pace and a riveting story. Cornelia’s curiosity is relatable and realistic and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her as well as her grandmother and her faithful and loving servants. While she is trying to unravel the mystery of a little yellow cottage and its missing heir, Cornelia meets a widow and her great-nephew Simon, the center of the mystery and with a fascinating backstory about keeping papers hidden from an unknown and unscrupulous man. Once Cornelia discovers that their lives have been threatened, she is even more determined to get to the bottom of who is threatening them and why. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, but I must say that the prose that described the setting and the characters read more like poetry to me, flowing masterfully from the hands of an author who demonstrates her genuine love of history as well as her talent in creating stories that are clean and entertaining. The book is hard to put down and I sighed contentedly at the perfect ending. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Rated G, Clean Christian Fiction
About the Author (bio from Amazon)
HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.
Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are her family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.
The silence following Tyler Reid’s last mission has him eager for the next job. So when a woman from his past shows up on his doorstep with a new task-extracting a kidnapped Indian doctor from rival mercenaries-he’s ready to move. It’s dangerous. It’s fast-moving. It’s exactly what he wants. The only problem is Alexandra Romanova is going too-the one person who sees the cracks in his armor he’s trying to hide.
Alexandra “Alex” Romanova has returned to Russia, but she’s not ready to step into her father’s legacy. So she seizes the chance to delay that future. Especially when she learns who’s missing-and who’s going after him. But working alongside Tyler again tests more than her training. He’s different. More guarded. And something in him is unraveling.
From Libya to India to Morocco, the team races to find the missing doctor while avoiding the trap the enemy has set. But every step closer to the truth puts more pressure on the cracks already forming. And as the mission begins to spiral, Alex realizes the real danger may not be the enemies chasing them-but the severed ties Tyler leaves behind when he decides the mission is over.
My Thoughts
Aussie mercenary Tyler Reid returns in what may be his most dangerous assignment. Hired by Alexandra Romanova, Tyler has to free a captive doctor from another mercenary group, one which just happens to be led by Tyler’s arch-nemesis. The dynamics between the characters was nothing short of amazing and I learned a lot about Tyler’s past and his reluctance to be called a hero when all he really wants to do is die. Alex is determined to get under the hard shell he has erected all around him and succeeds at times, giving me a look at what makes Tyler tick and why he is such a daredevil. The action was non-stop in this fast-paced military thriller, with exotic settings and untrustworthy allies. This novel had a dual storyline featuring Kenna and Ben who were working in D.C. and the stories dovetailed perfectly together when Alex calls on the two of them to help out with their mission that takes a turn for the worse when a planned extraction goes very wrong. With gun battles and hand-to-hand combat described in fascinating detail and Tyler and Alex at the center of all of the action, this book is not to be missed. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend that readers enjoy the first two books in the series before getting into the intricacies of the cat and mouse game that Tyler and Alex play with each other as well as with their adversaries. This is a suspense thriller with a strong foundation of faith exhibited by Alex who is not ashamed of sharing what and why she believes. Gripping suspense and the engrossing story along with the crisp writing and twists make this novel an absolute five plus stars for me and one of my favorite books of the year. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Christian fiction, clean read with intense suspense, Rated PG
About the Author
Taylor S Newport is an up and coming Christian author. Four years of research has brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world. In 2024, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she resides in the beautiful state of Texas with her family probably writing her next novel. Find out more at Taylor S. Newport
Meredith Hansel should be having the best week of her life. After establishing herself as a portfolio manager at a prestigious Wall Street firm, she’s in the national spotlight for the innovative funds she created. But as Meredith prepares to celebrate, the plates she’s kept spinning for years begin to crash: Her strained marriage reaches a breaking point. Her conscientious teenage daughter acts out under mysterious pressures. Someone vandalizes her home with disturbing graffiti. And Betsey, her most trusted ally at the financial firm, goes rogue, and Meredith is forced to sign a restraining order against her.
Then her worlds collide when she receives a thumb drive and a cryptic note from Betsey threatening to reveal a secret that could have devastating effects on Meredith’s family . . . unless she can figure out what Betsey wants and deliver it in time.
As Meredith begins to dig into the data, however, she begins to suspect that it’s no coincidence her life is crumbling. That maybe what’s happening to her family is connected to what’s boiling beneath the surface at her investment company. Soon Meredith realizes there’s only one way to avoid taking the fall, and it all hinges on Betsey’s true motives. Was she really threatening Meredith or trying to warn her?
My Thoughts
Meredith is a portfolio manager at an influential Wall Street firm and is celebrating her successes with her newest venture when suddenly, everything goes bonkers. There is trouble on the office, trouble at home, a marriage on the brink of failing and Meredith has no idea who to trust. Maybe no one is trustworthy in this fast-paced whodunit/family drama/thriller debut novel. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, both in the firm and in Meredith’s family, but the author does a stellar job of portraying them completely and well so that they are memorable. Meredith is on the fast track to success when she gets information from a friend and colleague that things are not as they seem. Her investigation leads her down a twisted path of deception and Wall Street finagling as well as into the arms of danger. I liked all of the characters as they are all relatable, but I think Erika, her teen daughter was my favorite. She is saucy, intelligent, honest and vulnerable and has a way of behaving just as a real teen would, with the angst along with the flippant confidence she needs to face her challenges. The mystery of who is trying to destroy Meredith’s career is fascinating and the trail to get to the solution led me through a lot of financial information that I had no idea even existed since I am not a big investor myself. Some of the trading information was way over my head, but it was interesting as it floated up there somewhere. Since it wasn’t necessary that I understand all of the wheeling and dealing in order to thoroughly enjoy the story, I just stayed immersed in the main plot instead of all of the trading details. This book is original, creative and suspense-filled as an entire family is involved in finding out the answer to whodunit and why. Breathtakingly complex and gripping, the story was expertly crafted to captivate me with exceptionally crisp writing and unexpected revelations. The novel is a totally engaging read and hooked me from beginning to end with its authentic details and its intricate plot. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books with a lot of action, drama and hard life choices. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also purchased my own copy to support a debut author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Clean fiction, with suspense and impending danger, Rated PG
About the Author
Kristine Delano spent over twenty years navigating a career on Wall Street before trading her panoramic city view for her standing writer’s desk. A lifelong fiction lover, she now crafts thriller novels set in the high-stakes finance world, exploring the emotional tension of work-life balance. In pursuit of compelling stories, Kristine hosts the popular podcast We Talk Careers, where she interviews the voices of Wall Street on leadership, growth, and purpose.
She is also a board member, speaker, and strategic advisor for businesses, schools, and parachurch organizations. Her faith fuels her passion for helping women navigate their calling. Kristine’s work has been recognized in fiction-focused writing competitions and she loves to stay connected with fellow authors and readers on Instagram and LinkedIn and through her membership in writers’ groups. When she’s not writing, Kristine enjoys playing games with friends, scuba diving, and chasing her husband and children down the snowy ski slopes of western Maine—never does she catch them, but with joy she tries. For additional information, check out: Kristine Delano .
It’s always sunny in Detroit for Faith Richards. The popular TV meteorologist, endearingly referred to as “The Fair Weather Friend” by her viewers, has the world by the tail. But one night, Faith leaves work on a dinner break and never returns. Her body is found the next morning.
The town is reeling, suspects emerge, and long-buried secrets are uncovered. While her allies rally, her list of adversaries also grows. Little does anyone know that only the deepest secrets will expose the truth.
My Thoughts
This book has everything I enjoy in a suspense book with plenty of mystery and domestic drama, too. Faith Richards is the title character, a meteorologist with a news station in Detroit and she is at the top of her game when she is first introduced. Other members of her team are jealous of how popular she is with fans, she has her own fan club and a stalker, too. When she disappears one night between shows, there is a lot of speculation about what happened to her and a host of very unhappy fans. When the medical examiner announces that she is deceased and was strangled, there mystery takes off and doesn’t let up until the very end. There are some secondary characters who seem like supporting characters but who are very important to the twists in the story. There are so many twists and a plethora of possible suspects for who killed Faith. The author does a good job of creating relatable characters for the ones we are supposed to like and an equally good job leading us to dislike others. I enjoyed the well-developed characters, the backstory of Faith and her sister Hope, and the side story of Olivia the intern. Together, these characters led me on a merry chase to figure out what was really going on and who was the real culprit in Faith’s sad tale. The conclusion was so surprising that I had to read several pages twice to make sure that I was not missing anything. This is a brilliantly written domestic suspense with all of the earmarks of bordering on a thriller. I cannot divulge any secrets because readers will have to be mislead just as I was; it certainly added to the entertainment factor of the novel. I found the book informative as well as engaging since it gave some inside scoops about what happens in a newsroom along with some great fictional conflicts. This is one of my top reads for the year and should get more than five stars for creativity and a brilliant plot. I won a copy of this book from the publisher via a Goodreads Giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Contemporary Fiction, Rated PG
About the Author
Jessie Garcia is the News Director at the CBS affiliate in Milwaukee. Her non-fiction books, “My Life with the Green and Gold: Tales from 20 Years of Sportscasting” and “Going for Wisconsin Gold: Stories of our State Olympians” won Midwest Book Awards, and her documentary “Leaps and Bounds: The Men Who Changed Track and Field” was featured in over a dozen film festivals. She also taught journalism at four universities. A native of Madison, WI, Jessie has two adult sons and resides in Milwaukee with her husband, dog and cat. For more information, check out her website at Jessie Garcia
I highly recommend each of these books and give them each five stars. You can read my complete reviews on Goodreads or Book Bub, but here are a books a snippet of each review.
I really loved that the main characters got a second chance at love and also that they were older and still actively engaged in life and helping others. The bloodhound Arthur is a favorite canine now, since he is older, heroic and an intrepid investigator on his own.
Rated PG for intense suspense but G for content
The story captivated me from beginning to end and is a must read for fans of well-crafted romantic suspense.
Rated PG because of intense suspense and G for content
The story of Brenna, her emotional support dog named Lulu and her second-chance-at-love hero, Owen McCaw, is one that is heartwarming, filled with secrets and a need to be honest, and a story packed with action and some unexpected twists.
Rated G for all readers
This book offers a sweet romance, a lot of family love and drama and plenty of mystery, too as the Lemmon brothers are involved in a lawsuit that may end up with their losing the ranch that they love dearly.
Rated G for all readers
So, where can you purchase your copy of any or all of these new books? Just follow the links below directly to Harlequin. There you will also find the links to other retailers.
Launch that Book will take you from stress to success in getting your book into the hands of those who need it. Tammy Karasek walks authors through a pragmatic management approach as she educates, equips, and encourages in getting the most mileage out of the book launch process.
Learn step-by-step
∙ how to gather a team
∙ exactly what to do with your team
∙ when and how to say farewell
Plus, so much more. (From Amazon)
My Thoughts
This book gives new meaning to the phrase “step by step guide” since the author does a thorough and tremendous job of including all of the steps any author will need to successfully launch a book. With details that are relayed in bullet points and examples, the book is an excellent resource for authors who want to form a launch team, manage that launch team and make inroads into the marketing world by following the author’s expert and sage advice. The tips are practical, tested and proven to work so that any author, debut or published for years, can follow the advice, launch a book and not be stressed about all of the minutiae of doing so since it is all laid out so clearly here. Every author needs a copy of this book and every friend of an author should make sure that they have a copy of this invaluable resource. I voluntarily received a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Tammy uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, is the driving force of her passion to always encourage and inspire others and give them The Reasonto smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a Tickled Pink life as she believes there is always a giggle wanting to come out! And desires that for others as well. For more information about Tammy, visit her website: https://tammykarasek.com/about-tammy/
Questions and Answers with Tammy
Where did you get the idea to write a book about launching books? This is an easy question – I can’t be everywhere to teach authors and I can’t do everyone’s launch management for them. But I so want to teach authors how they can rid themselves of the stress of what to do with some tried and proven results of having a good book launch.
What is the number one takeaway that you want authors to know after reading your book?
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!
Of all of the advice and practical tips you give in your book, which one is the absolute best one, in your opinion?
Hmmm, one? ALL! HaHa! I went with a “one word answer!” But if I had to select only one tip, I think it would have to be to have the courage to do a launch team. With having Launch that Book on your reference shelf, you have the template of how to do your first launch team. As you write the next book, you’ll use it again, but tweak it for your liking, but you’ll have the steps of when and why to get you started.
If you could tell a debut author one thing about launching a book, what would you advise them and why?
Don’t assume your publisher is going to help you with a launch or your marketing. This will be on you whether you traditionally publish or self-publish. So don’t ignore the opportunity to have a team help you spread the word of your book’s release.
What is the most difficult part about launching a book? How does your book make that process less burdensome?
When and where to start. I give you a timeline breakdown of what to do, when to do and how to do all the things!
Why do you think that authors need a launch team?
As an author, we can only tell so many people within our circle. But when we recruit a team to spread the news, we now reach into circles we would never have been able to reach.
How many books have you helped to successfully launch as the “launch geek”? Since 2012, I have participated in over 400 launch teams. As The Launch Team Geek, I have helped or managed over 50.
Is your book best suited for only new authors? No. It is written for any author wanting to have a launch team for the release of their book.
Is there anything else you want your readers to know about your book or your experience with launching books? From the years of experience I’ve had on teams or managing teams, the more you educate your launch team members as to why you are doing certain tasks (like reviews), teach them how to do those tasks, and encourage them by letting them know you are seeing their actions, the better your launch will run. My book was written from my heart to help any author overcome the stress and fear of doing a launch team. My goal was to educate, equip and encourage the author on how to manage a launch team so they can turn around and educate, equip and encourage their team to help them have a successful launch of their book. And the next, and next, and next!!
With much appreciation to Tammy Karasek and with a big recommendation to get this book if you are even considering writing and publishing one yourself!
Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother—in—law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black—market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam…before they become the next victims.
My Thoughts
This book was amazing, keeping me captivated by the story and the relatable characters. The story begins with Sarah Brindley taking her small son Liam to her aunt’s cottage, having just witnessed the murder of her husband. She has barely taken a sigh of relief when her life is in danger and she has to depend on the help of her husband’s brother, Tucker. Tucker is a realistic character, a flawed human with a hearing problem. But he doesn’t let his disability stop him from being a dedicated forest ranger. When he discovers the trouble that Sarah has inadvertently encountered because of his brother Tanner, Tucker is doggedly determined to help Sarah find out who is behind the threats. First, he has to find out who kidnapped her son and where they have taken him and why they would take a small child. The action is fast-paced as Sarah and Tucker work together to solve the mystery of Tanner’s death and to find Liam. There are unexpected twists and turns with some surprising revelations along the way to a satisfying and brilliantly written conclusion. I found this book informative as I learned about experimental drugs as well as compelling since a small child was kidnapped early in the story and Sarah is an innocent victim, caught up in a web that her deceased husband created. This book is a must read for those who enjoy excellent suspense with a firm faith foundation. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Love Inspired Suspense, Rated PG
About the Author
Kerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. Kerry lives on the sunny, stormy west coast of Florida with her family, a lazy boxer, and a temperamental sun conure. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, crowded bookshelves, and iced chai tea. More information is available on her website:
Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K—9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human—remains—detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. Soon Violet learns a shocking secret: She has a presumed dead twin sister who may still be alive, and now they’re both in danger. Can Violet and Maverick expose a conspiracy before this Christmas becomes their last? (From Barnes and Noble)
My Thoughts
An archeologist, the discovery of skulls, a K-9 human remains detector and a man determined to protect all make this book unputdownable. Violet Hoyt is intelligent and intuitive and when she is on a job, like the one to find the remains of the murdered Hancock family, she is intrepid and sometimes foolhardy. Wolf, the dog who intervenes and tries his best to keep her safe is a character like none other. He is highly trained to detect remains but he also seems to be able to sniff out danger before it gets too close. And his owner Maverick is as determined to keep Violet safe as she seems to be determined to pursue danger. All of these elements made this fast-paced book a riveting and unforgettable story of courage and an indomitable spirt. There are family secrets uncovered as well as a villain who is unbelievably evil and dogged about the goal of keeping Violet and Maverick from discovering the truth. This is a book with memorable characters and a well-crafted and absorbing plot that is not to be missed by fans of compelling fiction. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Love Inspired Suspense, Rated PG
About the Author
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
Inspired by Gerrit van Honthorst’s masterpiece, The Adoration of the Child, and the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.
Italy, 1620.
Angelo is an orphan, lonely and forgotten. Having been passed on from one family to the next, he ends up as a common thief, subject to and under the thumb of a ruthless robber called Tozzo.
Angelo knows no other life and has lost hope that any chance of providence will ever replace his lonely, misfortunate existence. When he loses his master, his livelihood is shaken. Tozzo’s plunder is hidden in a safe place, but what will happen if someone comes after Angelo to get their hands on the stolen relics? More than that, he feels threatened by words he’s heard too many times; that he’ll always remain unforgiven and doomed.
One day, a priest invites Angelo to help with chores around the church and rectory and, in exchange, offers him room and board. Padre Benedetto’s kindness and respect are unfamiliar and confusing, but Angelo’s safety is still a grave concern. Two older robbers have heard rumors about the hidden treasures and will stop at nothing to attain them.
With literary depictions and imagery, Angelo’s story is a gripping and emotional journey of faint hope and truth in seventeenth-century Italy—an artistic and audacious tale that crosses paths with art collector Vincenzo Giustiniani and the powerful Medici family.
Using invisible threads, Heidi Eljarbo weaves together her fictional stories with historical figures and real events. The Relic Keeper is similar in tone to books by Geraldine Brooks, Tracy Chevalier, Deborah Swift, and Laura Morelli.
My Thoughts
I raced through the story of young Angelo, a child of the streets who is forced to make his living by stealing relics from churches. I knew that somehow the author would teach a lesson and have a happy ending for this unfortunate young boy. I was entranced by the story of Angelo’s life, how he was forced to live and how he got to know Christ as His Savior. This is a story of hope, unconditional love, a story of self-discovery and finding God’s purpose in your life. Included within the pages of this poetic and beautiful story are historical figures like a Marquess and an artist from the 1600’s. The description of the painting that so touches Angelo was so realistic and detailed that I could picture it in my mind and enjoyed the education that I got about the artist’s techniques with light. Angelo’s story was heart-tugging at times but ever hopeful as he goes on a quest to improve his lot in life by leaving behind thievery and attaching himself to the local parish priest, Padre Benedetto. The Padre is loving and generous, even protecting Angelo from bad actors who want to use him on the streets again. Padre was not just a hero to Angelo, but he was also the man who showed him a new way to live and gave him hope for getting an education and having a better future. Angelo’s desire to find his birth mother seemed doomed to failure since he never met her and doesn’t even know what she looks like. The author did a masterful job of weaving all of the loose threads of the tapestry of this story together in the end, making one magnificent and brilliantly written story of hope, redemption, second chances, sacrifice and love. There are so many good things about this book, especially the fact that it was completely absorbing and a fast-paced read that was uplifting in the messages and encouraging in the hope-filled ending. I sincerely appreciate the author’s notes at the end that informed me that Honthorst was a real artist who actually painted the canvas so painstakingly and wonderfully described in the book. When I read that, I immediately looked up an image of the painting online and fell in love with the light in the painting and the importance of that light. It seems that light was a theme of this novel too, as Angelo walked from darkness into the light, after years of thinking that all would always be dark. This is one of the best books that I have read that is a testimony to helping others and being a light in someone else’s darkness. I loved every minute that I spent with this book and think it would make a wonderful gift to yourself or for someone special in your life who needs to read about hope and the salvation story, told in a way that is enjoyable and believable, with memorable characters that will jump off the page right into your heart. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Rated G, Christian Historical Fiction
About the Author
HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.
Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are her family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical. Website: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/
A couple’s gender reveal party turns deadly and everyone is a suspect in this gripping thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest.
Is it a boy or a girl? They would die to know…
Madeline and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.
As the aftershocks of the bloody party ripple across the small town, Agent Jamie Saldano is brought on the scene to investigate. Battling his own demons from the past, Saldano unearths a web of deceit spun around the Drakes. The appearance of some unexpected houseguests only deepens the mystery. And as tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? As the shadow of a killer looms, the happy parents-to-be must unravel the truth before it’s too late.
My Thoughts
My goodness! This book and all of its twists and surprises kept my head spinning and my mind whirling as I anticipated the next unexpected revelation. The story begins with a bang, literally, as a gender reveal party’s explosive plan turns deadly. Madeline and Wes had no idea that their party would end up killing a guest, injuring many more and bring an ATF agent to their doorstep to investigate. Agent Jamie Saldano is not a stranger to the area since he grew up there and it also the place from which his older sister disappeared when they were both still in high school. I really enjoyed the complex plot that involved various characters and their backstories. The author did a masterful job of weaving the whole plot together into a cohesive tapestry by having each character voice their own point of view. There are plenty of characters and plenty of action happening throughout this thought-provoking thriller and all of them kept me guessing. I think my favorite character was Saldano since he was the one who kept his cool and kept investigating in spite of all of the roadblocks and subterfuge. The characters were all relatable although some were hard to like, like Mellie who seemed to be a gold digger with secrets and a hidden agenda. The story is engaging, fast-paced and one not to be missed for those who enjoy thrillers that are expertly crafted and gripping. With an unexpected ending and an addictive story, this book gets five plus stars from me and a warning to be prepared to read all night. Trigger warning: abuse and violence. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Heather Gudenkauf is the critically acclaimed author of several novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Weight of Silence, The Overnight Guest and Everyone Is Watching. She lives in Iowa with her husband and children.
“Madeline,” comes Wes’s voice, tinny and faraway-sounding. “Are you okay?”
She is lying flat on her back, the air still hazy with smoke. Is she? Is she okay? The ringing in her ears is fading, and she can hear again. In the distance she can hear sirens. Help is coming. Madeline does a mental scan of her body. Nothing seems broken, but her head is pounding. She touches her hairline, expecting her fingers to come back with blood, but instead they find an egg- sized lump. She tries to remember exactly what happened. Wes pulled the trigger, and the truck exploded. An explosion, that’s what it was. Something had gone wrong with the reveal. The baby. Oh God, is the baby okay? She presses her palms against her belly.
“Madeline, Madeline,” comes Wes’s voice again, this time more insistent. His frantic face comes into view.
“Shhh,” Madeline orders. “Please be quiet.” She needs to lie completely still, has to concentrate so she can feel the baby move. She. The baby is a girl, Madeline thinks, remembering the wisps of pink smoke she saw among the fiery black cloud. Her little girl will kick her in the bladder, one of her favorite moves, any second now. There is nothing. No cartwheels or wiggles. Nothing.
Wes kneels beside her and slips his hand into hers. “Help is coming. Stay put. Don’t move.”
Madeline nods as hot tears roll down her cheeks. “What happened?”
“It must have been the truck,” Wes says. “It must have triggered a bigger explosion.”
“But how?” Madeline asks. “You said it was safe . . . Is anyone hurt?”
“It was. It was supposed to be.” He shakes his head, be- wildered. “I don’t know what happened.”
Madeline struggles into a sitting position and looks around. Charred lumber litters the lawn. The canopy over the dining tables has collapsed and is covered in dancing flames that a handful of guests and waitstaff are trying to smother with what- ever is handy: cowboy hats, table linens, an old horse blanket. Other guests are gathered in small, tight clusters, holding on to one another. Some sit in the grass crying, others stand slack- faced, as if in shock. Through the smoke a rodeo clown appears, his brightly colored clothing now blackened with soot and his makeup running down his sweaty face. The clown is helping the photographer, who is bleeding from the head. But it is the old storage barn that Madeline finds herself fixated on. Huge f lames shoot from the hayloft window and the roof. Someone pulls a hose from one of the horse barns, and suddenly buckets and containers of all sizes appear. Others, including Johanna’s husband, Dalton, are running toward the burning barn and tossing water onto the structure. They know that one wayward spark could ignite the house or, worse, the barns filled with her beloved horses.
“Can you walk?” Wes asks. “We have to get you away from here.”
Madeline nods, and Wes helps her to her feet. She is barefoot. The blast had lifted her in the air and knocked her flip-flops clear off her feet. Madeline, leaning against Wes, winces with each step, the rough ground pricking at the soles of her feet. He leads her to the meadow, a safe distance from the burning barn, but still close enough for her to see what’s happening. Some of Madeline’s earlier numbness is beginning to wear away, and the enormity of what has happened begins to descend.
“Go,” Madeline says, knowing they need as many hands as possible.
Wes shakes his head. “No,” he says. “I’m not leaving you.” “I’m fine,” she says, but is she? She fell hard, and still the baby hasn’t moved.
Madeline scans the crowd. “Where’s Johanna?” she asks. “Have you seen her?”
“I haven’t,” Wes says. “But I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. Have you seen Dix?”
“No,” Madeline says. The last she saw Dix was just before he handed the microphone to Wes. “Go,” Madeline repeats. “Really, I’m fine. I just have to get my bearings,” she assures him when he turns his gaze to her doubtfully. “Go help, find your brother. And check on the horses.”
“You wait here,” Wes says. “Don’t move from this spot, and I’ll come back and find you.” He squeezes her hand and kisses her cheek before darting away and disappearing into a cloud of black smoke.
Madeline continues to eye the property for any sign of Johanna’s long dark braid, her suede skirt. In the distance the wail of sirens grows closer. Help is coming. The meadow to the left of the house was being used as a makeshift parking lot for the guests’ vehicles. One wayward spark from the fire landing on the stubbled field could set off a chain reaction where upward of a hundred cars and trucks, tanks filled with gasoline and diesel, sit idly.
The air is filled with inky smoke blotting out the face of the mountain and the setting sun. A fire truck pulls through the side yard, crushing Madeline’s lavender and Russian sage, its massive tires carving deep ruts in the soil. Madeline barely notices—it’s what she sees as a group of guests part to let the truck through that causes her breath to lodge in her throat. A woman lies on the ground, her arm thrown over her face, while someone presses a blood-soaked cloth to her abdomen. One by one, Madeline registers the carnage. Someone is doing CPR on Gary Wilson, the president of the bank that holds their mortgage. One of her equestrian students is wandering aimlessly through the smoke, tears running down her face. A fifteen-hundred- pound bull has escaped the rodeo paddock and is trotting toward the mountains. She sees Mellie, the young waitress, running and screaming, fire dancing up the front of her legs. A partygoer tackles her, smothering the flames with his body.
This is bad. So very bad. Madeline fights the urge to vomit. She wants to help. But how? Water, Madeline thinks. She can pass out bottles of water, try and keep the guests calm and reassure them that help is here, that everything is going to be okay. On unsteady feet she moves toward the party barn, where she knows there is plenty of bottled water, but someone grabs her arm. Mia. “Have you seen Sully?” she asks tearfully, her arm hanging at an odd angle. “I can’t find him.”
Madeline shakes her head. “I’ll help look for him,” she promises. “You’re hurt. Sit down.”
Mia shakes her head. “I need Sully,” she says thickly and stumbles away. There are too many injured and not enough emergency personnel.
The fire truck has come to an abrupt stop. Two firefighters are urging those guests who jumped in to try to put out the fire to move away from the blaze. With machinelike efficiency, they unroll the hoses.
Madeline is mesmerized by the flames that roll across the roof of the barn, the dense cloud of smoke, the roar of lumber being eaten by the flames. She moves closer, unnoticed by the firefighters, her face growing pink from the heat. Madeline vaguely becomes aware of more sirens and shouts of “Over here” and “Please help!” More help has arrived. The spray of water hisses and snarls as it strikes flames and wood. The barn turns into a living thing then, twisting and groaning until it collapses in on itself, turning to a big heap of charred lumber with sooty farm equipment peeking out here and there.
With deep appreciation to HTP BOOKS for including me in the Fall 2025 Blog Tour for THE PERFECT HOSTS by Heather Gudenkauf. A wild and enjoyable thrill ride!
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 